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Resident recounts string of vehicle thefts on Edmondston Road; police promise increased patrols
Summary
A College Park resident described multiple vehicle thefts and vandalism on the 7500 block of Edmondston Road and urged lighting and camera subsidies; Sergeant John Wynkoop said the department will increase patrols and coordinate contract officers to focus enforcement in the area.
At a College Park public‑safety meeting, a resident identified in the transcript as Varsha described a string of vehicle thefts and vandalism on the 7500 block of Edmondston Road in the College Park Estates neighborhood and urged the city to invest in prevention measures, including improved street lighting and camera infrastructure.
"I've had 2 vehicles vandalized. 1 was very recent... someone tried to break into my vehicle and broke off the driver's side door," Varsha said, adding she had video and believed up to two people were involved. She said another vehicle had been stolen from her driveway and that in a separate incident a BB‑ or pellet gun had been used to damage a vehicle. She told the group these incidents had occurred over the past three and a half years and were causing increased insurance premiums and loss of community trust.
Sergeant John Wynkoop responded that, given the details, the department would increase patrols in Varsha’s community and along Edmonson Road, deploy unmarked cars and coordinate with contract officers. "We will increase our patrols in your community and along Edmonson Road," Wykoop said, and noted officers conduct stop‑sign and stop‑sign enforcement, unmarked patrols and other targeted actions. Varsha asked about bait‑car deployment; Wykoop said the department would look into bait‑car options as part of coordinated efforts.
Neighbor Maria Cordoni said she lives up the street and that neighborhood groups are meeting to coordinate responses; she asked to follow up with the police and neighbors after the meeting. A council member said city engineers can investigate adding street lighting and announced a forthcoming camera subsidy program to help residents buy cameras, which the city would partially subsidize.
What happens next: Wykoop said he will speak with contract officers and increase patrols in the area; city staff and neighborhood leaders planned follow‑up coordination. Residents seeking further detail were invited to meet with police staff to discuss targeted interventions.
